STD Symptoms in Women

An overview & list of STD symptoms in women

Most STDs don’t produce symptoms or, if they do, result in vague or generic flu-like symptoms that could be the
result of many different conditions. It can be difficult to determine the cause of symptoms due to an STD without
getting tested. Women are more likely than men to suffer symptoms such as bumps, itching, or burning urination due
to a sexually transmitted disease/infection, especially in the genital region. Without those first noticeable signs
of an STD, infections often go unnoticed and untreated, which can cause long-lasting or even irreversible effects
if left untreated.

Take Charge of Your Health

Getting tested is not only quick and easy, it’s the only way to know for sure
if you do or do not have an STD.

Common STD symptoms in women:

Vaginal blisters or blisters in the genital area (the region covered by underwear)

Vaginal rash or rash in the genital area

Burning urination

Painful urination

Pain during intercourse

Less common STD symptoms in women:

Bleeding or spotting between menstrual cycles

Painless ulcers on the vagina

Pelvic pain

Lower back pain

Fever

Nausea

Sore throat (after oral sex)

Swelling of the joints (knee, elbow, etc.)

Rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge (after receiving anal sex)

When symptoms do occur, they typically appear within days or weeks of exposure to an STD. Often, symptoms never
appear or go unnoticed. Even if an infection never results in obvious symptoms, the STD can still be transmitted and
progress into a more serious condition that may result in irreversible side effects. Regular comprehensive STD
testing is the only way to guarantee a clean bill of sexual health. It is especially important to get tested for
STDs after risky or unprotected sexual contact.